The Green Bay Packers started training camp a week early because they were picked to play in a fifth preseason contest, the Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio.
Issues with the field forced the game to be cancelled. Paint used on the synthetic turf for logos turned hard and sticky, making it dangerous for the players.
The field came to Canton from the New Orleans Saints, used in the Super Dome last year only.
The field had been covered for the Hall of Fame ceremonies on Saturday. When it was uncovered, it passed the safety tests. But then came the painting of the logo, which caused the problems.
The turf at Tom Benson Stadium will be replaced for next year’s Hall of Fame game and instead of painting, all logo’s will be stitched into the surface. The change in turf was already planned and was not a reaction to Sunday’s game issues.
Fans will be offered full refunds from the Hall of Fame.
Sunday’s game was supposed to give undrafted free agent Joe Callahan a start at quarterback for the Packers. He’ll have to wait until the Packers host the Cleveland Browns this Friday night at Lambeau Field.
The real loss is for the fans. They invested in the weekend trip, to watch the Hall of Fame Induction, followed by the game. They were robbed of that opportunity. Packers coach Mike McCarthy said the decision is an unfortunate one, but it is the right one, looking at the safety of the players for both teams.
AUDIO: Mike McCarthy said the fans have been great :20
AUDIO: Mike McCarthy on how the cancellation affects their plan :19